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LoBiondo Applauds Supreme Court Review of Sports-Betting Suit

Jun 27, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With today’s announcement that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear New Jersey’s appeal to allow sports-betting, U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (Nj-02) issued the following statement:

“A long time coming, today’s announcement is welcome news to the citizens of New Jersey who overwhelming voted for a constitutional amendment to allow sports-betting in our state. The billion-dollar sports betting industry should not be limited to a few states nor should the federal government stand in New Jersey’s way,” said LoBiondo. “I have long argued that legal sports betting will have a significant and positive impact on South Jersey, bringing tourism and tax revenue to the state and reinvigorating Atlantic City. I remain committed to seeing sports betting become legal in New Jersey, and today’s announcement strengthens that commitment.”

The federal ban on professional and amateur sports betting enacted in 1992 currently prohibits states from implementing any new form of sports wagering. LoBiondo and New Jersey Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-06) introduced two bills that would provide for changes in the law that would allow sports-betting in New Jersey. H.R. 784 (Pallone) would exempt New Jersey from current federal law and H.R. 783 (LoBiondo) opens a window in which all states can enact a law providing for sports-betting in their state for four years upon being signed by the President. Both lawmakers are again cosponsoring the other’s legislation.

In 2011, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to allow sports wagering in New Jersey, but its enactment has been delayed by lawsuits filed against the State of New Jersey by the NCAA and four professional sports leagues. New Jersey appealed its case in the courts, with the Third Circuit ruling against New Jersey. New Jersey appealed that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.